How to Play Roulette

Learning how to play roulette online opens the door to one of the casino world’s most iconic games, offering UK players an impressive return-to-player rate of up to 97.30% on European wheels. Whether you’re completely new to the spinning wheel or looking to refine your approach, this comprehensive guide covers everything from basic rules to advanced strategies for playing roulette online in 2025.

We’ll explore the differences between RNG and live dealer games, break down all possible bets, and reveal how to maximise your chances at the virtual tables.

Online vs. Live Dealer Roulette (Evolution vs Pragmatic)

When playing roulette online in the UK, you’ll encounter two primary formats, each offering a distinct experience:

The leading providers in the UK market – Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play – offer markedly different live dealer experiences:

Evolution Gaming Highlights

• Speed Roulette: Ultra-fast gameplay with just 25 seconds from spin to spin
• Lightning Roulette: Features random multipliers up to 500x on straight-up bets
• XXXtreme Lightning: Offers chain multipliers reaching up to 2,000x
• Gold Bar Roulette: Player-chosen 88x multipliers with 19:1 straight-up payouts
• Studio network: Multiple professional studios across Riga, Malta, and Tbilisi
• Table limits: From £0.20 to £20,000 on VIP tables

Pragmatic Play Offerings

• Roulette Azure: High-contrast studio design with 4K camera quality
• Speed Roulette: Matches Evolution’s pace at 25 seconds per round
• Mega Roulette: Features multipliers from 50-500x with 96.5% RTP on straight-ups
• PowerUP Roulette: Progressive multipliers reaching up to 8,000x through bonus spins
• Primary studio: Bucharest flagship location
• Table limits: Generally lower minimum stakes, from £0.10 to around £5,000

For beginners or those seeking faster play with lower stakes, RNG roulette offers excellent value while you learn the ropes, before potentially transitioning to the more social atmosphere of live dealer games.

Roulette in 90 Seconds

If you’re in a hurry, here’s everything you need to know about roulette in under two minutes:

1. Objective: Predict where the ball will land on the spinning wheel
2. Equipment: A wheel with numbered pockets (0-36 in European; 00 added in American)
3. Basic process: Place bets on the table → Dealer spins wheel and ball → Ball lands in a pocket → Winning bets are paid
4. Main bet types:
   • Inside bets: Single number (35:1), Split (17:1), Street (11:1), Corner (8:1)
   • Outside bets: Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low (all 1:1), Dozens/Columns (2:1)
5. House edge: European (single-zero) 2.70%, American (double-zero) 5.26%

For best results, remember these three fundamental principles:

• Always choose European (single-zero) over American (double-zero) wheels
• Look for French roulette with La Partage for the lowest house edge (1.35% on even-money bets)
• Set a strict loss limit and walking-away point for winnings

Rules Deep-Dive

Wheel Types

There are three primary wheel variants you’ll encounter online:

• European wheel: Contains 37 pockets (numbers 0-36). The single zero gives the house a 2.70% edge.
• American wheel: Contains 38 pockets (numbers 0, 00, and 1-36). The addition of the double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%.
• French wheel: Uses the same 37-pocket layout as European roulette, but incorporates player-friendly rules (La Partage or En Prison) that reduce the house edge to just 1.35% on even-money bets.

The sequence of numbers differs between European and American wheels. European wheels follow a carefully balanced arrangement where high/low and odd/even numbers alternate as much as possible, while red and black colours are distributed evenly.

Table Layout

The roulette table layout consists of two main sections:

Inside betting area: Contains the individual numbers arranged in a grid:

• Three rows of twelve numbers each (1-36)
• Zero (and double-zero on American tables) positioned at the top

Outside betting area: Surrounds the number grid and includes:

• Even-money bets: Red/Black, Odd/Even, High (19-36)/Low (1-18)
• 2:1 payout sections: Three Dozen bets (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) and three Column bets

Many online tables also include a racetrack betting area for “call bets” or “announced bets” – predefined combinations of numbers based on their physical position on the wheel rather than their numerical sequence.

Game Flow

A typical round of online roulette follows this sequence:

1. Betting phase: Players place chips on the table to indicate their bets
2. Spin phase: In RNG games, players click “Spin”; in live dealer games, the dealer announces “No more bets” and spins the wheel
3. Outcome: The ball lands in a numbered pocket, determining the winning number and colour
4. Settlement: Losing bets are collected; winning bets are paid according to their odds
5. Next round: A new betting phase begins

The speed of this cycle varies significantly by format:

• RNG roulette: As fast as 10-15 seconds per round with turbo settings
• Standard live dealer: Approximately 45-60 seconds per round
• Speed live dealer: About 25 seconds per round

Inside & Outside Bets Explained

Roulette offers a wide array of betting options, each with different odds and payouts:

Inside Bets

Outside Bets

Special Bets (Call Bets)

These are typically placed on the racetrack section of the table and represent groups of numbers based on their physical position on the wheel:

• Voisins du Zero (“Neighbours of Zero”): Covers 17 numbers around the zero (22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25)
• Tiers du Cylindre (“Third of the Wheel”): Covers 12 numbers on the opposite side of the wheel from the zero (27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33)
• Orphelins (“Orphans”): Covers the 8 numbers not included in the above sections (17, 34, 6, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9)
• Neighbours: A specific number plus the two numbers on either side of it on the wheel (5 numbers total)
• Finals/Finales: All numbers ending with a specific digit (e.g., “Finale 5” covers 5, 15, 25, 35)

These call bets are more common in European and French roulette variations and are particularly popular in live dealer games.

House-Edge & RTP Matrix

The house edge in roulette varies significantly depending on the wheel type and bet selection:

For speciality live dealer games, the true RTP becomes more complex:

The key takeaway: For the mathematically optimal experience, French roulette with La Partage rules offers the high RTP at 98.65% on even-money bets. If seeking entertainment value with multipliers, be aware that the flashier the game, the more volatility you’ll experience, often with a slightly reduced long-term return.

Online Roulette Options

Classic (RNG) Options You’ll Meet Most Often

When playing RNG roulette online, you’ll encounter several common variants:

Live Dealer Landscape (2025)

The live dealer market is dominated by two major providers, each with distinctive offerings:

Evolution Gaming Tables

Pragmatic Play Tables

Evolution vs Pragmatic at a Glance

How to Choose Your Option

The best roulette format depends on your priorities:

1. Value-minded players → Classic RNG European or French (La Partage) at 97.3–98.65% RTP.
2. Social vibe & table chat → Standard live tables from either provider.
3. Fast action → Speed Roulette from Evolution or Pragmatic (~25s rounds).
4. Big-hit chasers → Multiplier wheels: Lightning / XXXtreme (Evolution) or Mega / PowerUP (Pragmatic).
5. Skill-builders → Live Auto Roulette (no host) or First-Person RNG mode.

Live Variant Spotlight

Let’s take a deeper look at the most popular specialty live roulette games that have transformed the online experience:

Evolution Gaming Specialties

Lightning Roulette

Evolution’s flagship multiplier roulette game offers:

• Between 1-5 “lightning numbers” randomly selected each spin
• Multipliers ranging from 50× to 500× applied to these numbers
• Base payout for non-multiplier straight-up wins reduced to 29:1 (from standard 35:1)
• Theatrical lightning effects and game-show style presentation
• Effective long-run RTP on straight-up bets around 81% due to the 50% premium

XXXtreme Lightning Roulette

Taking the Lightning concept even further:

• Chain Multipliers that can combine for payouts up to 2,000×
• Two “XXXtreme Chain Lightning” features that can multiply straight-up bets further
• Double Strike: Adds a second multiplier to selected numbers
• Chain Lightning: Connects multiple numbers with the same multiplier
• Higher minimum bets than standard Lightning (typically £0.50 vs. £0.20)

Gold Bar Roulette

A unique player-directed multiplier game:

• Players can collect and place “Gold Bars” on specific numbers
• Each Gold Bar offers an 88× multiplier when that number hits
• Base straight-up payout reduced to 19:1 (from standard 35:1)
• Numbers that receive Gold Bars persist between game rounds
• Up to 88 Gold Bars can be placed on a single number

Pragmatic Play Innovations

Mega Roulette

Pragmatic’s answer to Lightning Roulette:

• 1-5 “Mega Lucky Numbers” with multipliers from 50× to 500×
• All standard roulette bets available alongside multiplier straight-ups
• Slightly lower RTP on straight-up bets (96.5%) compared to standard tables
• Generally lower minimum stakes than Evolution’s Lightning (often starting at £0.10)
• Auto version available for faster play without dealer interaction

PowerUP Roulette

A progressive multiplier system:

• PowerUP wheel activates when the same number repeats within 5 spins
• Each trigger increases the multiplier tier, building from 2× up to potentially 8,000×
• Animated power gauge shows proximity to the next PowerUP level
• RTP of 97.19% on straight-up bets
• High-volatility experience with emphasis on repeat numbers

These specialty games trade slightly lower mathematical returns for the potential of massive multiplier wins, creating a more lottery-like experience than traditional roulette. They’re ideal for thrill-seekers willing to accept higher volatility in exchange for the chance at extraordinary payouts.

RNG / Classic Online Roulette

Random Number Generator (RNG) roulette offers several advantages over live dealer games, particularly for beginners or those seeking lower stakes and faster play.

Myth: Pattern Tracking in RNG Games

Some players believe they can track patterns in RNG roulette similar to card counting in blackjack, but this is a misconception. All legitimate UK online casinos use certified random number generators that produce truly unpredictable results with each spin.

Key facts about RNG roulette randomness:

• Each spin is completely independent of previous results
• The software is regularly audited by independent testing agencies like eCOGRA and iTech Labs
• The same mathematical probabilities apply as in physical roulette
• Unlike physical wheels that might develop biases over time, RNG wheels are perfectly balanced

Autoplay & Game Pace

One of the biggest advantages of RNG roulette is the ability to customise the game pace:

• Autoplay: Set a predetermined number of spins with your chosen bet pattern
• Turbo mode: Skip animations for ultra-fast results (as quick as 3-5 seconds per round)
• Multi-wheel: Play up to 8 wheels simultaneously for maximum action
• Statistics tracking: Automatic logging of hot/cold numbers and result patterns

This acceleration of gameplay can be both an advantage and a risk. While it allows for more hands per hour, it also means potential losses can accumulate more quickly. Always set strict loss limits when using autoplay features.

Demo Modes & Practice Play

Perhaps the most valuable feature of RNG roulette for newcomers is the availability of free practice modes:

• Test different betting strategies without risking real money
• Familiarise yourself with the interface and game controls
• Experiment with call bets and advanced wagering patterns
• Track results over hundreds of spins to understand variance
• Practice at your own pace without pressure from other players or dealers

Most UK online casinos offer demo versions of their RNG roulette games without requiring registration. Take advantage of these to build confidence before transitioning to real-money play.

Popular Betting Systems

Many roulette players employ betting systems in an attempt to manage their bankroll or overcome the house edge. While no system can mathematically overcome the built-in house advantage in the long run, these approaches can structure your play and potentially extend your sessions:

Martingale System

The most famous progression system:

• Method: Double your bet after each loss, return to base bet after a win
• Best used on: Even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low)
• Example: Bet £1 on Red → Lose → Bet £2 on Red → Lose → Bet £4 on Red → Win £4 (net profit: £1)
• Pros: Simple to follow; guarantees small profit when winning bet eventually occurs
• Cons: Requires large bankroll; table limits eventually prevent doubling; single streak of 8-10 losses wipes out bankroll

Fibonacci System

Based on the famous Fibonacci sequence where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones:

• Method: Follow sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34…), move up after loss, move back two steps after win
• Best used on: Even-money bets
• Example: Bet £1 → Lose → Bet £1 → Lose → Bet £2 → Lose → Bet £3 → Win £3 → Move back two steps to £1
• Pros: Less aggressive than Martingale; smaller bankroll required
• Cons: Doesn’t guarantee profit after a win; can still lead to significant losses during losing streaks

D’Alembert System

A gentler progression system:

• Method: Increase bet by one unit after a loss, decrease by one unit after a win
• Best used on: Even-money bets
• Example: Base unit £1 → Bet £1 → Lose → Bet £2 → Win → Bet £1 → Win → Bet £0 (return to base bet)
• Pros: Slow progression; smaller bankroll needed; less risky than steeper progressions
• Cons: Small wins; requires equal number of wins and losses to profit

Labouchere System

Also known as the Cancellation System:

• Method: Write down a sequence of numbers, bet the sum of first and last numbers, cross them off after a win, add the sum to the end after a loss
• Best used on: Even-money bets
• Example: Sequence [1,2,3,4] → Bet £5 (1+4) → Win → Cross off 1,4 leaving [2,3] → Bet £5 (2+3) → Lose → Add 5 to end [2,3,5] → Continue
• Pros: Flexible; can be tailored to bankroll size; provides clear target (completing the sequence)
• Cons: Complex to track; can lead to very large bets after losing streaks

Important reality check: While these systems can be entertaining and provide structure to your play, none of them alter the fundamental mathematics of roulette or overcome the house edge. The best approach is to use them for entertainment value while setting strict loss limits.

Bankroll & Bonus Playbook

Effective bankroll management is crucial for enjoying roulette responsibly:

Unit Sizing

A “unit” is your standard betting amount. For sustainable roulette play:

• Set your unit size at 1-2% of your total session bankroll (e.g., £1 per spin with a £100 bankroll)
• Reduce unit size when using high-risk inside bets or multiplier games
• Increase unit size slightly for more conservative outside bets
• Never increase bets to chase losses (“tilting”)

Expected loss calculation: For European roulette, multiply your total amount wagered by 2.7% to estimate your mathematical expected loss. For example, betting £10 per spin for 50 spins = £500 wagered × 0.027 = £13.50 expected loss.

Optimising Roulette Bonuses

Casino bonuses often come with wagering requirements that can be challenging for roulette players:

• Most roulette bets contribute only 10-20% toward bonus wagering requirements
• Typical £100 bonus with 35× wagering would require £35,000 in total bets
• At 20% contribution, that becomes £175,000 in roulette bets
• Expected loss on £175,000 of European roulette bets: £4,725 (far exceeding the £100 bonus value)

Look specifically for:

• “Roulette-specific” bonuses with lower wagering requirements (20× or less)
• Bonuses with higher contribution percentages for roulette (50%+)
• Cashback offers that return a percentage of roulette losses as cash
• Deposit bonuses where the cash portion can be withdrawn before bonus funds

Roulette-Friendly Promotions

The most valuable roulette promotions typically include:

• Loss rebates: Refund of 5-20% on net roulette losses over a specific period
• Happy hours: Boosted payouts or reduced house edge during specified times
• Golden number promotions: Extra payouts when specific numbers hit
• Leaderboards: Prizes for most spins or highest single wins
• Reload bonuses: Additional funds with lower wagering requirements for regular players

Always read the full terms and conditions before accepting any promotion. The best roulette bonuses are those with minimal gameplay restrictions and reasonable, achievable wagering requirements.

Mobile & Emerging Tech

The online roulette experience continues to evolve across platforms, with mobile play now accounting for over 65% of UK online casino traffic. Here’s what to expect when playing on different devices:

Mobile Experience

Modern roulette apps for iPhone and Android as well as mobile sites offer nearly identical functionality to desktop versions, with some considerations:

• Portrait mode tables: Specially designed interfaces optimised for phone screens
• Touch-friendly betting: Simplified chip placement and saved favourite bets
• Connection stability: Live dealer games require more stable internet than RNG versions
• Battery usage: Live video streams consume significantly more power than RNG games

For the best mobile experience, use a stable Wi-Fi connection when playing live dealer games and consider RNG versions when on mobile data or with limited battery life.

Virtual Reality Roulette

VR roulette represents the cutting edge of immersive gameplay:

• Full 360° casino environments viewable through VR headsets
• Ability to see and interact with other players’ avatars
• Physical chip placement and table perspective
• Currently available through Evolution’s “First Person” VR range and select dedicated VR casinos

While still niche in the UK market, VR roulette is growing in popularity as headset technology becomes more accessible and affordable.

Cross-Platform Play

Most UK online casinos now offer synchronised experiences across all devices:

• Seamless transitions between desktop, tablet, and mobile
• Shared wallet and account settings
• Identical game selection and table limits
• Saved favourite bets that persist across devices

This integration allows players to start a session on one device and continue on another without interruption, perfect for today’s on-the-go lifestyle.

Responsible Gambling & UKGC Compliance

All legitimate UK online roulette sites operate under strict UK Gambling Commission regulations designed to protect players:

Mandatory Player Protections

• Age verification: Rigorous checks to prevent underage gambling
• Deposit limits: Tools to set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on deposits
• Reality checks: Automatic notifications showing how long you’ve been playing
• Session timers: Options to limit how long you can play in one sitting
• Loss limits: Caps on how much you can lose in a given period
• Self-exclusion: Ability to block access to your account for periods from 24 hours to 5+ years
• GAMSTOP integration: UK-wide self-exclusion system that blocks access to all licensed sites

Take advantage of these tools to maintain control over your roulette play. Setting deposit and loss limits in advance is particularly effective at preventing impulsive decisions during losing sessions.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Responsible roulette play means being alert to these potential red flags:

• Increasing bet sizes to chase losses
• Playing outside your predetermined time and budget limits
• Feeling stress, anxiety, or anger while playing
• Neglecting other responsibilities to play roulette
• Hiding your gambling activity from friends or family

If you recognise these patterns, consider using the self-exclusion tools provided by UK casinos or contacting support organisations like GamCare (0808 8020 133) or BeGambleAware.org.

Roulette Glossary

Online Roulette FAQs